Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy最新文献

Background/purpose: To determine the feasibility of training with electromyographically (EMG) controlled games to improve control of muscle activation patterns in stroke survivors.

Methods: Twenty chronic stroke survivors (>6 months) with moderate hand impairment were randomized to train either unilaterally (paretic only) or bilaterally over 9 one-hour training sessions. EMG signals from the unilateral or bilateral limbs controlled a cursor location on a computer screen for gameplay. The EMG muscle activation vector was projected onto the plane defined by the first 2 principal components of the activation workspace for the nonparetic hand. These principal components formed the x- and y-axes of the computer screen.

Results: The recruitment goal (n = 20) was met over 9 months, with no screen failure, no attrition, and 97.8% adherence rate. After training, both groups significantly decreased the time to move the cursor to a novel sequence of targets (P = 0.006) by reducing normalized path length of the cursor movement (P = 0.005), and improved the Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT) quality score (P = 0.01). No significant group difference was observed. No significant change was seen in the WMFT time or Box and Block Test.

Discussion/conclusions: Stroke survivors could successfully use the EMG-controlled games to train control of muscle activation patterns. While the nonparetic limb EMG was used in this study to create target EMG patterns, the system supports various means for creating target patterns per user desires. Future studies will employ training with the EMG-controlled games in conjunction with functional task practice for a longer intervention duration to improve overall hand function.Video Abstract available for more insights from the authors (see the Video, Supplemental Digital Content 1, available at: http://links.lww.com/JNPT/A379).

Background and purpose: The Mini-BESTest is a balance measure with robust psychometric properties widely used in people with Parkinson disease. The aim of this study was to examine-with advanced psychometric techniques-some key properties of the Mini-BESTest (including unidimensionality, functioning of rating categories, internal construct validity, reliability indexes) in a consecutive sample of individuals with Parkinson disease admitted for balance rehabilitation.

Methods: Confirmatory factor analysis and Rasch analysis (partial credit model) were performed on 193 individual raw scores of the Mini-BESTest items.

Results: Confirmatory factor analysis fit indices and principal component analysis of the residuals confirmed the scale's unidimensionality. At Rasch analysis, the 3-level rating scale demonstrated appropriate functioning. All items fitted the Rasch model. Item response dependence was negligible. No differential item functioning was found across gender and age groups.

Discussion and conclusions: We confirmed and extended the evidence (demonstrated in different populations) on the general psychometric soundness of the Mini-BESTest, even when tested with rigorous statistical methods. In addition, 2 forms were created: (i) to transform raw scores into linear estimates of dynamic balance; and (ii) to compare the individual's item responses with those expected by the Rasch model (thus providing an aid for tailored interventions) and manage missing responses. Further independent studies using advanced psychometric techniques are warranted, also in people with balance disturbances of different etiology. Our study further increases the confidence in using the Mini-BESTest to assess dynamic balance in people with Parkinson disease and provides some useful additional clinical aids for interpreting the results and calculating more precise change scores.See the Supplementary Video, available at: http://links.lww.com/JNPT/A384.

Background and purpose: Neurological conditions are a major cause of health morbidity that negatively impacts function and quality of life (QoL). Despite this burden, community services are disproportionally scarce. Student-led physiotherapy services (SLSs) are a model that can increase community access to health care while providing authentic clinical experiences for students. SLSs consistently demonstrate high client satisfaction; however, limited evaluation of the impact of this model on the client's clinical outcomes exists. Therefore the aim of this project was to evaluate the impact of a physiotherapy student-led community-based rehabilitation service.

Methods: The SLS operated 4 days a week over a 15-week period. Forty-two community-dwelling clients (mean age 74 years) with a neurological diagnosis were included. During initial consultation, participants completed basic demographics, up to 3 Patient-Specific Functional Scales (PSFSs) and a QoL questionnaire (World Health Organization Quality of Life-Brief Questionnaire [WHOQOL-BREF]). At discharge, participants completed the WHOQOL-BREF, PSFS, and a patient experience survey. Risk event data were also collected.

Results: Over half of the PSFS items targeted mobility (55%). There was a significant improvement (P < 0.05) in median change (quartiles) for pre-/post-PSFS scores for clients whose primary condition was balance 1.0 (0.0-3.0), cerebrovascular accident 1.0 (2.0-3.0) or multiple Sclerosis 1.0 (1.0-2.0), and mean (SD) WHOQOL-BREF scores for Physical Health (12.2 ± 1.5 to 13.1 ± 1.3) and Social Relationships (12.7 ± 2.7 to 16.6 ± 3.3). Patient experience survey results indicated that clients had confidence and trust in students. No adverse events were reported.

Discussion and conclusions: The SLS model provides a strategy to increase access to health care and clinical placement capacity. Findings demonstrated improved self-rated function, QoL, and positive patient experience for community-dwelling clients with nonacute neurological diagnoses.Video Abstract available for more insights from the authors (see the Video, Supplemental Digital Content 1, available at: http://links.lww.com/JNPT/A380).

Background and purpose: Regular, sustained moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) is a recommended strategy to reduce the risk of recurrent stroke for people who have had transient ischemic attack (TIA) or mild stroke. This study aimed to explore attitudes toward, and experience of engaging in physical activity by adults following a TIA or mild stroke.

Methods: Constructivist grounded theory methodology informed data collection and analysis. Interviews from 33 adults with TIA or mild stroke (mean age 65 [SD 10] years, 48% female, 40% TIA) were collected.

Results: Business as usual characterized physical activity engagement post-TIA or mild stroke. Most participants returned to prestroke habits, as either regular exerciser or nonexerciser, with only a small number making changes. Influencing factors for physical activity participation included information, challenges, strategies, and support. Business as usual was associated with a perceived lack of information to suggest a need to change behaviors. Nonexercisers and those who decreased physical activity emphasized challenges to physical activity, while regular exercisers and those who increased physical activity focused on strategies and support that enabled participation despite challenges.

Discussion and conclusion: Information about the necessity to engage in recommended physical activity levels requires tailoring to the needs of the people with TIA or mild stroke. Helpful information in combination with support and strategies may guide how to navigate factors preventing engagement and might influence the low level of physical activity prevalent in this population.Video Abstract available for more insights from the authors (see the Video, Supplemental Digital Content 1 available at: http://links.lww.com/JNPT/A376).

Background: Uncompensated vestibular hypofunction can result in symptoms of dizziness, imbalance, and/or oscillopsia, gaze and gait instability, and impaired navigation and spatial orientation; thus, may negatively impact an individual's quality of life, ability to perform activities of daily living, drive, and work. It is estimated that one-third of adults in the United States have vestibular dysfunction and the incidence increases with age. There is strong evidence supporting vestibular physical therapy for reducing symptoms, improving gaze and postural stability, and improving function in individuals with vestibular hypofunction. The purpose of this revised clinical practice guideline is to improve quality of care and outcomes for individuals with acute, subacute, and chronic unilateral and bilateral vestibular hypofunction by providing evidence-based recommendations regarding appropriate exercises.

Methods: These guidelines are a revision of the 2016 guidelines and involved a systematic review of the literature published since 2015 through June 2020 across 6 databases. Article types included meta-analyses, systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, case-control series, and case series for human subjects, published in English. Sixty-seven articles were identified as relevant to this clinical practice guideline and critically appraised for level of evidence.

Results: Based on strong evidence, clinicians should offer vestibular rehabilitation to adults with unilateral and bilateral vestibular hypofunction who present with impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions related to the vestibular deficit. Based on strong evidence and a preponderance of harm over benefit, clinicians should not include voluntary saccadic or smooth-pursuit eye movements in isolation (ie, without head movement) to promote gaze stability. Based on moderate to strong evidence, clinicians may offer specific exercise techniques to target identified activity limitations and participation restrictions, including virtual reality or augmented sensory feedback. Based on strong evidence and in consideration of patient preference, clinicians should offer supervised vestibular rehabilitation. Based on moderate to weak evidence, clinicians may prescribe weekly clinic visits plus a home exercise program of gaze stabilization exercises consisting of a minimum of: (1) 3 times per day for a total of at least 12 minutes daily for individuals with acute/subacute unilateral vestibular hypofunction; (2) 3 to 5 times per day for a total of at least 20 minutes daily for 4 to 6 weeks for individuals with chronic unilateral vestibular hypofunction; (3) 3 to 5 times per day for a total of 20 to 40 minutes daily for approximately 5 to 7 weeks for individuals with bilateral vestibular hypofunction. Based on moderate evidence, clinicians may prescribe static and dynamic balance exercises for

Background and purpose: Asymmetry during walking may be explained by impaired interlimb coordination. We examined these associations: (1) propulsive symmetry with interlimb coordination during walking, (2) work symmetry with interlimb coordination during pedaling, and (3) work symmetry and interlimb coordination with clinical impairment.

Methods: Nineteen individuals with chronic stroke and 15 controls performed bilateral, lower limb pedaling with a conventional device and a device with a bisected crank and upstroke assistance. Individuals with stroke walked on a split-belt treadmill. Measures of symmetry (%Propulsionwalk, %Workped) and interlimb phase coordination index (PCIwalk, PCIped) were computed. Clinical evaluations were the lower extremity Fugl-Meyer (FMLE) and walking speed. Associations were assessed with Spearman's rank correlations.

Results: Participants with stroke displayed asymmetry and impaired interlimb coordination compared with controls (P ≤ 0.001). There were significant correlations between asymmetry and impaired interlimb coordination (walking: R2 = 0.79, P < 0.001; pedaling: R2 = 0.62, P < 0.001) and between analogous measures across tasks (%Workped, %Propulsionwalk: R2 = 0.41, P = 0.01; PCIped, PCIwalk: R2 = 0.52, P = 0.003). Regardless of task, asymmetry and interlimb coordination were correlated with FMLE (R2 ≥ 0.48, P ≤ 0.004) but not walking speed. There was larger within group variation for %Propulsionwalk than %Workped (Z = 2.6, P = 0.005) and for PCIped than PCIwalk (Z = 3.6, P = 0.003).

Discussion and conclusions: Pedaling may provide useful insights about walking, and impaired interlimb coordination may contribute to asymmetry in walking. Pedaling and walking provide distinct insights into stroke-related impairments, related to whether the task allows compensation (walking > pedaling) or compels paretic limb use (pedaling > walking). Pedaling a device with a bisected crank shaft may have therapeutic value.Video Abstract available for more insight from the authors (see the Video, Supplemental Digital Content 1, available at: http://links.lww.com/JNPT/A365).